PAPA KERN'S CAFE

Violations (12)

• 3-501.13(A),(B),(C)CriticalCorrected on site

  Iowa food code item 35 (Good Retail Practices)

  Observation: Vacuum-packaged meat was observed thawing under refrigeration in the reach-in cooler while remaining in the original reduced oxygen packaging. Corrected by: Employee removed the meat from the vacuum-sealed bags and returned it to the cooler to continue thawing.

  Good Retail Practices | PF | Item 35

• 4-601.11(A)Critical

  Iowa food code item 16 (Risk Factors)

  Observation: Knives, plates, and other kitchen utensils were observed soiled while stored in their designated clean storage locations. Staff placed all affected utensils in the warewashing area to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized.

  Risk Factors | PF | Item 16

• 4-601.11(A)Critical

  Iowa food code item 16 (Risk Factors)

  Observation: The main ice machine located in the back of the kitchen was observed with a slime-like buildup on the far-back interior surface of the unit. Staff stated that the ice machine will be taken out of service until it is properly cleaned and sanitized. Staff further stated that ice had been purchased from an approved source in recent days because the machine was not functioning properly.

  Risk Factors | PF | Item 16

• 3-501.18CriticalCorrected on site

  Iowa food code item 23 (Risk Factors)

  Observation: Multiple containers and zip-top bags containing house-made cooked foods were observed in the reach-in cooler with date marks exceeding the allowable holding period. Items included chili dated 6/12/2026, mushrooms dated 6/18/2026, grinder beef dated 5/30/2026, beef meatloaf dated 6/5/2026, and deli ham dated 4/28/2026, 6/12/2026, and 6/16/2026. The person in charge voluntarily discarded all foods with date marks exceeding the allowable holding period during the inspection.

  Risk Factors | P | Item 23

• 3-603.11Critical

  Iowa food code item 25 (Risk Factors)

  Observation: The facility menu does not disclose, by use of an asterisk or other effective means, which menu items may be served raw or undercooked. The person in charge stated that the menu will be revised to clearly identify all menu items that may be served raw or undercooked by using an asterisk or other effective disclosure method.

  Risk Factors | PF | Item 25

• 7-102.11CriticalCorrected on site

  Iowa food code item 28 (Risk Factors)

  Observation: Multiple bottles containing sanitizer were observed in the bar/service area without labels identifying their contents. Corrective by: Staff labeled the sanitizer bottles during the inspection

  Risk Factors | PF | Item 28

• 6-501.12, 6-501.13

  Iowa food code item 55 (Good Retail Practices)

  Observation: General cleaning throughout the facility is not being conducted at a frequency necessary to maintain cleanliness. Accumulations of dust, grease, food debris, and other residue were observed in various areas of the facility.

  Good Retail Practices | C | Item 55

• 3-302.12Corrected on site

  Iowa food code item 37 (Good Retail Practices)

  Observation: A container of flour stored in the far-back walk-in cooler was observed without a label identifying its contents. Corrected by: Staff labeled the container during the inspection.

  Good Retail Practices | C | Item 37

• 4-901.11Corrected on site

  Iowa food code item 44 (Good Retail Practices)

  Observation: Plastic food containers in the warewashing area were observed stacked while still wet, preventing them from air drying. Corrected by: Staff separated the containers to allow for proper air drying.

  Good Retail Practices | C | Item 44

• 4-601.11(B)(C ), 4-602.13

  Iowa food code item 49 (Good Retail Practices)

  Observation: Non-food-contact surfaces throughout the facility were observed with an accumulation of dust, grease, food debris, and other residue.

  Good Retail Practices | C | Item 49

• 5-501.17, 6-202.14, 6-501.18, 6-501.19,

  Iowa food code item 53 (Good Retail Practices)

  Observation: Both restroom doors located adjacent to the dining area were observed without self- closing devices.

  Good Retail Practices | C | Item 53

• 3-302.11(A)(3-9)

  Iowa food code item 15 (Risk Factors)

  Observation: Three sheet pans containing beef roast prepared on 6/24/2026 were observed uncovered in the walk-in cooler and stored directly beneath the cooling fan. Staff covered the beef roast during the inspection.

  Risk Factors | C | Item 15